Louis XV reigned from 1715 until his death in 1774. He had neither the will nor the talent to forcefully rule like his predecessor. At the begining of his reign, he enjoyed a favourable reputation, however, by the end he had become one of the most unpopular kings of France. It was his weakness that contributed to the gradual decline of the French monarchy. His inability to reform the French monarchy, his lack of morals, and his foreign policiy on the European stage were all a part of this weakness.
During his reign, France was involved in a series of wars. France took part in the War of the Polish Succession due to his marriage to Marie Leszcynska. He also involved France in the War of Austrian Succession against Austria. The Treaty of Paris (the ending of the Seven Years War), marked the loss of most of France's colonial empire and the low point in French prestige.
Also, during his reign, the discussions of ideas that challenged the existing political and social structure became popular entertainment for the bourgeoisie. Throughout Louis' reign, the artistocracy asserted more influence and the upper bourgeoisie gained more financial power. The country experienced general prosperity, but the government was near bankruptcy. The failure of the monarchy to solve the problems led directly tot he French Revolutoin during the reign of Louis' succesor, Louis XVI.
Louis XV reigned from 1715 until his death in 1774. He had neither the will nor the talent to forcefully rule like his predecessor. At the begining of his reign, he enjoyed a favourable reputation, however, by the end he had become one of the most unpopular kings of France. It was his weakness that contributed to the gradual decline of the French monarchy. His inability to reform the French monarchy, his lack of morals, and his foreign policiy on the European stage were all a part of this weakness.
During his reign, France was involved in a series of wars. France took part in the War of the Polish Succession due to his marriage to Marie Leszcynska. He also involved France in the War of Austrian Succession against Austria. The Treaty of Paris (the ending of the Seven Years War), marked the loss of most of France's colonial empire and the low point in French prestige.
Also, during his reign, the discussions of ideas that challenged the existing political and social structure became popular entertainment for the bourgeoisie. Throughout Louis' reign, the artistocracy asserted more influence and the upper bourgeoisie gained more financial power. The country experienced general prosperity, but the government was near bankruptcy. The failure of the monarchy to solve the problems led directly tot he French Revolutoin during the reign of Louis' succesor, Louis XVI.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XV_of_France
http://www.nndb.com/people/835/000093556/
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0830397.html
Annalise